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cloud and sighing.
    “Better?” he asked.
    “Getting there. Thanks.”
    “Stay put. Let me help Brody with the door. It shouldn’t take but a couple of minutes, and I’ll be right back.”
    “I don’t have any wood.”
    “He’s renovating the cabin up at Clear Water Ranch. He brought some with him.”
    “Well, ask him what I owe for the wood and his help. I’m happy to pay.”
    “Claire, relax. I’ll take care of everything.”
    “But . . .”
    He stared her down until she relented and took a sip of her hot chocolate. He left her sitting on the counter, cup in hand, a resigned look on her face, but not a trace of fear. Not anymore, but it would come again when she tried to sleep. He’d stay and chase away the ghosts if they intruded again tonight. This morning? God, he needed some sleep. If he hurried, maybe he’d get to bed by five, sleep until eight. He’d pulled all-nighters before, he could do it again.
    “Got your girl squared away?” Brody asked when he stepped out onto the back patio.
    “She’s not my girl. I just met her. Besides, after what happened tonight, she’ll probably kick me out of her life for good.”
    “Don’t bet on it. She’s been checking you out for the last few minutes from the kitchen window.”
    Owen wanted to turn and look, but stayed put. His cocky smile gave away too much, and Brody laughed at him.
    “You two looked real cozy in the kitchen. She’s a little banged up and on edge, but she’s got fight and heart. She’s a beautiful woman. Why aren’t you seeing her?”
    Owen laughed. “Because up until a couple months ago I was taking care of your soon-to-be fiancée and children.” Everyone knew Brody and Rain were getting married, but his thick-headed brother had yet to ask her officially, making it a running gag between them.
    “Don’t put your lack of a love life on me. Rain can take care of those girls, herself, and an army all on her own. While I thank you for all you did while I was gone, you’re the one who didn’t put yourself out there. I’m just saying, she seems like a nice woman. You should take her to dinner.”
    “Yes, I’ll take her to dinner, and she’ll completely forget that bastard attacked her because of me.”
    “You take on too much for your clients. You’re not to blame for what happened. Don’t feel guilty for something that you didn’t do and couldn’t have prevented. Do everything you can to find that guy and put him where he belongs, but don’t blame yourself that she got hurt.”
    “I like her,” Owen admitted.
    Brody had a piece of plywood at his feet and a tape measure stretched across it. He marked a spot and grabbed the skill saw. He tossed the extension cord to him. Owen stepped back into the dining room and plugged it in on the side wall. He walked back out to help Brody hold the wood while he cut it.
    “What if he comes after her again?”
    “Do what you can legally to keep him away. If that doesn’t work, put him down.”
    “Rain hasn’t smoothed out all your rough edges, I see.”
    “You woke me up in the middle of the night, took me out of Rain’s bed, and your girl pulled a knife on me. Sorry if I’m not more agreeable.”
    “I appreciate you coming over to help me out.”
    “I’m just giving you a hard time. You knew I’d come. I owe you for taking care of my girls. Did she nick you?” Brody cocked his head to indicate the three-inch gash in his shirt.
    “She missed, thank God. I don’t think she realized she took a swipe at me.”
    “Adrenaline. She’s going to have a hard crash. Soon.”
    “Yeah, so let’s get this done so we can both get some sleep.”
    “You’re staying with her tonight.”
    “I just can’t take a chance Dale gets a bug up his ass and comes back.”
    “Is Dylan trying to track him down?”
    “Yeah, but who knows where Dale went after he harassed Shannon at her place.”
    “If you need my help keeping an eye on Claire, say the word and I’m there.”
    “Thanks.